England will take at least one accolade away from Euro 2004 - they have the best fans by far in Portugal.

Not the ones doing all the post-Imperial beer- bellied posturing in Albufeira.

The real ones, those who have turned almost every match in Portugal into a riot of colour.

Thursday night in the Stadium of Light was a magnificent spectacle with banners and flags from far and wide.

The English were in good voice and good spirits - and more importantly on their best behaviour at a time of heightened passions.

That matchdays have passed with barely an arrest has been a testament to the fact that despite the media vilification the vast majority of football fans are decent, law abiding, friendly folk who enjoy themselves and the drama of the game without resorting to the kind of fisticuffs seen back home in some pubs.

England fans are popular because not only do they spend plenty of cash, they also up the terrace temperature and set the tone with singing, chanting, banners and banter.

Those banners have been visible at even the most obscure matches as England fans take to the festival of football with gusto. Not least Teessiders.

There was a giant Boro flag at Denmark/Bulgaria while the Smoggies On Tour logo has popped up behind the goal a few times along with the eye-catching 'Deep In My Heart' banner that made its debut at Cardiff and the iconic flag bearing the old Boro badge.

Even though England are out it would be nice to see those banners keep Boro interest alive all the way to the final.